Easy-to-Cook Turkey Products

When asked to imagine turkey, most Americans would picture the roasted turkey that graces the Thanksgiving table. Turkey is such a healthy protein, but most people rarely have enough time to roast a turkey. There are many other forms of turkey that are healthy and easy to cook.

I've had to explore different meat and poultry options because my kitchen is being renovated. During this time my oven is not hooked up, so I have to rely on a microwave, electric skillet, and electric grill. I got incredibly tired of TV dinners, so I am learning to make healthy food using what is available to me.

While boring lunchmeat sandwiches don't sound much better than the TV dinners I had grown accustomed to, try turkey lunchmeat in pitas with lettuce, tomato, and a little bit of low-fat ranch dressing. Turkey lunchmeat also works well on salads and wrapped in a soft tortilla.

The ground turkey is absolutely my favorite non-Thanksgiving form of turkey. Ground turkey can be used in any dish that ground beef would be used. My favorite use was to brown it in a skillet and add it to the top of a salad. Add tortilla chips, salsa or taco sauce, shredded cheese, and low-fat sour cream and it makes a delicious taco salad.

I grilled the turkey burgers on the electric grill and ate them as I would a burger made from beef. I have to say that this was my least favorite turkey food. I think it's because when eating a burger, I expect it to taste like a burger. Turkey burgers obviously have a different taste than burgers made from beef.

Turkey fillets grilled on the electric grill then topped with broccoli and served with mashed potatoes or a twice-baked potato is another favorite easy-to-cook turkey meal. I've found turkey filets to be easy to cook. They are a great way to add variety to a diet.

Since my kitchen renovation is on hold until my boyfriend returns from "Iraqistan," I'd love to hear your tips on including more turkey in the diet without using an oven.